I adore this story. Josef muses on the transitions in life, on his way to a carefully orchestrated new identity--and then,
BAM. A gorgeous redhead in blue and white knocks him right off of that neat plan and tumbles him into the deepest love of his long life. What a way to begin that magical, tragic year.
Ironic that I'm enjoying
your gifts on your birthday, huh?!

Thank you, honey, for all you have given us.
